Chapter 7

"This is fucking ridiculous." Erwin frowns deeply as he slams the bathroom door shut behind him, locking it. He kicks off his shoes forcefully.

This better be worth it, he thinks angrily. He sighs, rubbing his tired head. After spending most of the morning with Jeremy and Eren, Erwin decides to take a long nap before returning home. 

I hope you realise that I hate your guts. He mumbles to himself as he pulls off his shirt.

"Are you going to take a shower?"

No.

"Then get in bed already. You'll fall asleep faster that way."

Eren's voice is muffled from underneath the covers, so it doesn't sound like he's trying to argue with Erwin.

Fuck off, brat. Erwin huffs, walking past the bedroom door.

Is it really necessary to throw all the clothes in your closet on the floor? Eren asks. Erwin doesn't reply.

Ugh, okay. I'll leave the clothes in case you change your mind. Eren says quietly after a few minutes of silence.

If you leave, don't forget to put on fresh towels, Erwin calls loudly. Eren groans before saying goodbye and retreating.

God, I am not in the mood to argue with my brother. Not now, anyway. Erwin mutters angrily and walks into the bathroom.

Erwin doesn't take a long time in the shower this morning. He doesn't even bother brushing his teeth; he just splashes water on his face until every last bit of soap is gone. Once he leaves the bathroom, he throws his dirty clothes onto the floor and lies down on his bed, pulling his blanket over himself and staring at the ceiling. What a shitty day. It's always a bitch, isn't it?

He closes his eyes and falls asleep almost instantly.

When he wakes up, he finds himself lying on his stomach, his head resting on his pillow. He rubs his eyes and yawns. He stretches his arms above his head and sits up. He glances at the clock on his nightstand. It reads 7:00 pm. Erwin stretches again, feeling a little refreshed from the nap. He climbs out of bed and puts on a black T-shirt and grey sweatpants before leaving his room. 

Once outside, he goes directly towards the kitchen, where his father is making lunch. "Hi Dad, he greets casually when his father hears him approaching. Do you want me to grab anything else or

Can you make sandwiches?" His father interrupts without even looking at him. Erwin stares in bewilderment.

Huh?

Can you make sandwiches for both Eren and me? We're having lunch with friends tonight. And I haven't seen them in forever. Erwin furrows his eyebrows, confused by his father's words.

We're having lunch with friends right now?

Yes? Are you forgetting already? His father turns around and stares incredulously at Erwin.

Sorry, I must have zoned out. Erwin apologises sheepishly.

Good. Now help me cook dinner. He motions toward the counter. Erwin nods and goes straight to work.

As he works, he starts to realize that everything has changed for the worse. For the first time, he wonders if he'd made the wrong choice. Was this the best idea? Should he have waited? Should he tell his family and friends? Would they understand? They'd probably call him a dumbass for being so stupid, considering he hadn't thought things through properly.

He sighs heavily, frustrated with himself. It's no use worrying about this anymore; it's all in the past now. He doesn't let himself dwell on these thoughts.

What's for supper? He asks instead.

Dinner will be ready soon enough, so go set the table, Levi. His father snaps.

Okay. Erwin replies hesitantly as he picks up the plates and goes to set them on the table.

Once Erwin finishes setting the table, he brings them all to the living room where the others are waiting for them. His mother hugs him tightly as soon as he walks in.

Hello sweetie. How was school today? She asks gently.

School was good. Erwin responds as he sits down next to Eren.

That's nice. She smiles. Is there anything you'd like to drink? She continues.

Not right now mum. Erwin answers politely before taking a bite of his sandwich.

Hey dad. What are you working on here? Eren inquires while eyeing the document on his father's laptop.

My work is done, so I'm gonna take a quick break. Levi answered shortly while shoving another sandwich into his mouth.

Your work? 

Yeah. His son's face lights up in realization.

That's cool, Levi! Can we watch something? He asks eagerly, sitting closer to him on the sofa. The rest of them nod silently, watching his animated gestures.

Sure. Erwin agrees, ruffling Eren's hair.

Thank you! I knew you'd agree, Erwin. Eren grins happily. 

You guys didn't mind? Levi raises an eyebrow at them.

Nah. It was fine. He laughs. I was kinda curious about whatever it is that you're working on right now. Eren says, leaning back comfortably on the couch.

It's a secret. Levi smirks.

Come oooon Levi. Eren whines.

Okay. You win. Levi gives up. I work on an important case right now.

Why does your job involve breaking into places and stealing stuff?! Eren gasps dramatically.

Shh. Don't tell Erwin or my mom, okay? Levi hisses, glancing around.

Okay... I promise I won't tell anybody about your case! Eren promises.

Thank God. Levi sighs in relief.

How did you get such a good job anyway? Eren asks. Levi looks hesitant for a moment.

A girl recommended me. He answers evasively.

What kind of girl? Eren asks.

A friend. That's all I'm going to say. Levi replies flatly.

But if she was such a great friend of yours, then why won't she tell us more? Erwin frowns. Levi's expression suddenly becomes tense.

Well.. she was a little too close to asking me questions, is all. That's all I'm going to say about it. Levi growls quietly as he stands up abruptly and stalks away to the kitchen area.

He doesn't seem too happy about talking about her. Well, Erwin supposes it's none of our business, anyway. I bet Levi hasn't told you about his old boss, right? Mike asks curiously. Eren shakes his head and Erwin rolls his eyes. Of course not.

Well, his ex wasn't exactly a nice person. A year ago, we met her. Levi tells them, standing in front of the fridge to stare into it.

Did she do something bad? Eren asks worriedly.

She cheated on me with one of my coworkers. Levi said simply.

So.. is that why you're still single after all these years? Armin asks in surprise.

Levi ignores his question completely and grabs two bottles of beer before turning and opening them.

Wait, what? Erwin yells, shocked.

You never mentioned that before!  adds.

Levi drinks some of the beer. No. Why would I mention that? He shrugs. It doesn't matter. The topic has died down since his ex showed up at his workplace a couple of weeks ago.

The conversation shifts from there and eventually everyone's attention shifts to their laptops. Eren is typing furiously on his phone while Mike takes his notes from his backpack, Armin is checking on his emails, and Erwin is reading a book.

After what seems like hours, but is only half an hour, their food is done. It smells delicious, which surprises everybody except Levi, who quickly gets up and takes the plate and utensils to the kitchen.

Erwin closes his book and follows suit. He takes a look at the food on the table. He can't remember the last time he had something other than ramen. He smiles softly before picking up his chopsticks.

They eat in comfortable silence. When they are finished, they place their bowls in the sink before walking upstairs. They go to their respective rooms, but Erwin pauses in front of Eren's door and knocks. After a few seconds, his younger brother opens the door.

Hey brat, come and talk to us for a moment. Eren scrunches his nose and opens his bedroom door wide enough for Erwin to walk in. The raven boy walks inside and sits down on the bed beside his little brother. Eren stares at the carpet, looking embarrassed. After a few seconds pass, he lifts his head and locks his gaze with Erwin.

I don't know how you feel about your new job, so I don't want to force you to explain yourself. But I need to ask... Did someone hire you? Erwin questions. Eren looks away.

Do you need money? Erwin continues. If you need money for school, I'll lend you my allowance!

It's not that. Erwin notices Eren's hesitation. His expression slowly softens. You just want to keep your jobs, right?

I don't need any money... Erwin sighs. He feels guilty that Eren isn't willing to accept his offer yet, although the raven boy doesn't need much money. The most basic necessities cost less money than the expensive luxuries that rich kids like Hange usually have, like expensive cars or designer clothes. However, he knows that it's difficult for Eren to accept money from people who treat him badly, especially his parents and sister.

Eren sighs softly. Yeah, I guess I've been working hard. My boss gave me extra tasks to complete because I didn't work hard enough yesterday. 

You shouldn't worry about it though. You've always worked hard, Eren. Erwin says reassuringly.

Thanks, Erwin. And sorry again for causing you trouble.

You don't have to apologize. I'll handle it from now on anyway. Besides, you deserve to work as much as the rest of us. Erwin reassures him.

Thank you. Eren mutters shyly as he lays back down on his bed.

Good night, brat. Erwin chuckles. Good night, Eren. 

With that, he turns off Eren's lamp, leaving him in darkness. He then crawls under the sheets and buries himself underneath them. His body immediately starts to relax as he sinks into the warm comforter, falling asleep with his arms folded behind his head, his glasses slightly askew on his face.

He sleeps well for the first time in months.